Oldham peering over the edge

Photo: Chris Sunderland

LOOK OF RELIEF . . . Jack Taylor’s face says it all as he scores Oldham’s first try.

OLDHAM RUFC 17, ASPATRIA 39

RUGBY UNION: OLDHAM’S hopes of avoiding relegation from North Lancs and Cumbria Division suffered a huge blow when they succumbed to Aspatria’s second-half onslaught.

The home side matched their opponents in the first half and went into the interval at 17-17.

But after the break, the bigger Aspatria forwards took control, playing the touchline and driving from the line-out to score four tries.

Oldham began with coach Guy Lovegreen at scrum-half, Dean McEwan at hooker, Jordan McEwan at prop and Mark Meggison on the wing.

Chris Heap made his home debut at centre and had an outstanding game, while Gareth Barber was back to form and led by example.

Oldham went on the attack from the start and led 3-0 with a well-struck penalty by Barber,

But Aspatria replied with Heinie Jonker’s try which was converted by Jack Clegg to give them a 7-3 lead. Within three minutes, Oldham were back in front.

A quick throw-in led to a series of sharp passes which ended with Jack Taylor being driven over the try line. Barber converted to make it 10-7.

Aspatria fought back again with hooker Mike Lister scoring an unconverted try, yet that only served to inspire Oldham, who regained the advantage with Barber’s converted reply.

But the half ended badly for Oldham when full-back Thinton touched down to level the scores.

After the break, it was all Aspatria, who went ahead when Mike Scott scored a try converted by Clegg.

Further touchdowns by Clegg, Graham Andrew and Lawrence Brown ended Oldham resistance and, with Furness winning and Keswick picking up a bonus point, the local side are now propping up the rest in the table.

Oldham could still climb to safety, but would need to win their remaining games at Whitehaven and at home to Blackburn, Fleetwood and De La Salle.